Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems – Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance Agreements for Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems

Certain advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems require ongoing monitoring and servicing to ensure proper operation. In accordance with Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) Chapter 69, these systems must be maintained under a maintenance agreement with a qualified service provider.

Because maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer and system type, property owners are responsible for obtaining a maintenance agreement for their specific system at the time of installation.

Prior to the issuance of a construction permit for systems requiring ongoing maintenance, the property owner shall enter into a binding agreement with the Jackson County Board of Health acknowledging their responsibility to maintain the system in accordance with:

• Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 69, and

• The manufacturer’s operation and maintenance requirements for the installed system.

The property owner is responsible for ensuring that all required inspections, servicing, and maintenance are performed as specified in the maintenance agreement and by the manufacturer.

Copies of maintenance agreements and all maintenance records shall be submitted to the Jackson County Environmental Health Department as required by the maintenance agreement and IAC Chapter 69.

Where required by IAC Chapter 69 or the system manufacturer, effluent sampling and testing must also be conducted. All sampling results and monitoring reports shall be submitted to the Jackson County Environmental Health Department in accordance with applicable requirements.

Importance of Maintenance and Record Submission

Proper maintenance is critical to the long-term performance of advanced wastewater treatment systems. Failure to maintain the system in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and IAC Chapter 69 may result in the manufacturer’s warranty being voided and may lead to premature system failure.

Additionally, failure to maintain and document required maintenance may result in the system being considered noncompliant or failing during a Time of Transfer inspection, which may require corrective action or system replacement before a property can be transferred.

Property owners are responsible for ensuring that records of each maintenance inspection and any required sampling results are submitted to the Jackson County Environmental Health Department as required.

Failure to maintain the system or submit required maintenance records may result in enforcement action by the Jackson County Board of Health in accordance with applicable county ordinance and Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 69.

Property Transfers

Maintenance and monitoring requirements remain in effect for the life of the system. When property ownership changes, the new property owner is responsible for ensuring that an active maintenance agreement remains in place.

Depending on the manufacturer or service provider, the new owner may be required to enter into a new service agreement or transfer the existing agreement into their name.

Documentation showing that a valid maintenance agreement is in place may be required as part of the Time of Transfer inspection process.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is intended as general guidance. Final determination of maintenance, monitoring, and sampling requirements will be based on the approved system design, manufacturer specifications, and applicable provisions of Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 69 as determined by the Jackson County Environmental Health Department during permit review and system approval.